Matobo Hills
Location: South West Zimbabwe
Year of Inscription: 2003
Criteria:(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(v)to be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change;
(vi)to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: About 35 km south of the city of Bulawayo. The site covers an area of over 3,000 km² and is known for its unique landscape of granite hills, rock formations, and caves. The area is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species.
Prominent Features: The Matobo Hills area is known for its unique landscape of granite hills, rock formations, and caves. Other prominent features of the area include:
Rock Art: Matobo Hills is home to a large number of rock art sites, some of which date back over 13,000 years.
Rhodes' Grave: The grave of Cecil Rhodes, the founder of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe and Zambia), is located in the Matobo Hills.
History: The Matobo Hills have been inhabited by humans for thousands of years, with evidence of early human settlement dating back over 500,000 years. The area has also played an important role in Zimbabwe's more recent history, with the Zimbabwean nationalist movement using the hills as a base during the country's struggle for independence in the 1960s and 70s.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the rock art sites, go hiking or rock climbing, and take part in wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
Fun Fact: The Matobo Hills area is home to a large population of black eagles, which are considered sacred by the local Ndebele people.
Entry Fees: Entry fees vary depending on whether you are a local or international visitor, and whether you are visiting one of the national parks in the area (such as Matobo National Park) or one of the cultural sites (such as the Matobo Hills Cultural Landscape). As of 2023, the entry fee for international visitors to Matobo National Park is $15 USD per person.
How to Reach It: By Air: The nearest major airport to Matobo Hills is Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or shuttle bus to the Matobo Hills.
By Land: The most common mode of public transportation to Matobo Hills is by private car hire or taxi. There are also minibus taxis available, which are shared with other passengers and tend to be less expensive than private taxis. Some hotels and tour operators offer shuttle services to and from the Matobo Hills. Another option is to hire a driver for the day or take a guided tour, which often includes transportation to and from the site.
From Bulawayo to the Matobo Hills is about 34 km, and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes by road. Several bus companies operate daily services between Bulawayo and the nearby town of Matopos, including Pathfinder and Intercape. Tickets can be purchased at bus terminals in Bulawayo or online in advance.
Where to Stay: Some popular options for accommodations in the Matobo Hills area include:
Amalinda Lodge: This luxury lodge is built into the granite boulders of the Matobo Hills and offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and several dining options.
Big Cave Camp: This lodge is situated on top of a granite kopje and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills. It offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and guided tours of the area.
Matobo Hills Lodge: This lodge is located on a private game reserve and offers luxury rooms and suites, a swimming pool, and game drives and walks.
Camp Amalinda: This lodge is located within the Matobo Hills and offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and guided tours of the area.
Next Stop: Khami Ruins National Monument
Year of Inscription: 2003
Criteria:(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(v)to be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change;
(vi)to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: About 35 km south of the city of Bulawayo. The site covers an area of over 3,000 km² and is known for its unique landscape of granite hills, rock formations, and caves. The area is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species.
Prominent Features: The Matobo Hills area is known for its unique landscape of granite hills, rock formations, and caves. Other prominent features of the area include:
Rock Art: Matobo Hills is home to a large number of rock art sites, some of which date back over 13,000 years.
Rhodes' Grave: The grave of Cecil Rhodes, the founder of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe and Zambia), is located in the Matobo Hills.
History: The Matobo Hills have been inhabited by humans for thousands of years, with evidence of early human settlement dating back over 500,000 years. The area has also played an important role in Zimbabwe's more recent history, with the Zimbabwean nationalist movement using the hills as a base during the country's struggle for independence in the 1960s and 70s.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the rock art sites, go hiking or rock climbing, and take part in wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
Fun Fact: The Matobo Hills area is home to a large population of black eagles, which are considered sacred by the local Ndebele people.
Entry Fees: Entry fees vary depending on whether you are a local or international visitor, and whether you are visiting one of the national parks in the area (such as Matobo National Park) or one of the cultural sites (such as the Matobo Hills Cultural Landscape). As of 2023, the entry fee for international visitors to Matobo National Park is $15 USD per person.
How to Reach It: By Air: The nearest major airport to Matobo Hills is Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or shuttle bus to the Matobo Hills.
By Land: The most common mode of public transportation to Matobo Hills is by private car hire or taxi. There are also minibus taxis available, which are shared with other passengers and tend to be less expensive than private taxis. Some hotels and tour operators offer shuttle services to and from the Matobo Hills. Another option is to hire a driver for the day or take a guided tour, which often includes transportation to and from the site.
From Bulawayo to the Matobo Hills is about 34 km, and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes by road. Several bus companies operate daily services between Bulawayo and the nearby town of Matopos, including Pathfinder and Intercape. Tickets can be purchased at bus terminals in Bulawayo or online in advance.
Where to Stay: Some popular options for accommodations in the Matobo Hills area include:
Amalinda Lodge: This luxury lodge is built into the granite boulders of the Matobo Hills and offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and several dining options.
Big Cave Camp: This lodge is situated on top of a granite kopje and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills. It offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and guided tours of the area.
Matobo Hills Lodge: This lodge is located on a private game reserve and offers luxury rooms and suites, a swimming pool, and game drives and walks.
Camp Amalinda: This lodge is located within the Matobo Hills and offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and guided tours of the area.
Next Stop: Khami Ruins National Monument